Membership for Military Families
We know that deployment can be a stressful and uncertain time for our nation’s servicemen and women and their families. Through our military membership, families can spend quality time together, meet other military families and enjoy the Y's membership offerings in a supportive environment.
Military Membership Eligibility
Title 10 personnel are eligible for a Y membership, including:
- Active Duty Independent Duty personnel and their families that are not located at or near a free or service-provided fitness facility
- Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Active Duty Note: The Relocated Spouse category supports families/spouses who relocate away from an installation/duty station while the active duty service member is deployed
- Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Joint Deployed Guard and Reserve
- Community Based Warrior Transition Unite (CBWTU)
For more information on eligibility requirements, visit Armed Services YMCA DOD Military Outreach Initiative
Start Your Y Membership
Start Your Y Membership
- Visit Armed Services YMCA DOD Military Outreach Initiative to confirm eligibility and access program instructions and application forms.
- Find a participating Y in your area using the search tool below.
- Complete the membership application and send the required documentation to your Military Component Approving Official (MCAO) as identified on the program instructions.
Respite Child Care
With one caregiver away from the household, the majority of responsibilities often fall on the shoulders of the remaining caregiver. In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, participating Ys offer child care in a safe and nurturing environment so caregivers have more time for themselves to catch up on errands, enjoy a tension-relieving class at the Y or simply relax. It’s up to you!
Respite child care is available for infants (or youngest age permitted at the participating Y) up to 12 years of age (or oldest age permitted at the participating Y).
Respite Child Care Eligibility
Respite Child Care Eligibility
Title 10 personnel are eligible for a Y membership, including:
- Active Duty Independent Duty personnel and their families that are not located at or near a free or service-provided fitness facility
- Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Active Duty
Note: The Relocated Spouse category supports families/spouses who relocate away from an installation/duty station while the active duty service member is deployed - Unaccompanied Spouse/Family of Joint Deployed Guard and Reserve
- Community Based Warrior Transition Unite (CBWTU)
Apply for Respite Child Care
- Visit ASYMCA DOD Military Outreach Initiative to view eligibility requirements, FAQs and program applications
- Fill out and bring your eligibility form, Military ID and any other required documentation (usually, your Deployment Orders or Military Service Headquarters approval letter) to a participating Y for verification. Please do not leave copies of these documents at the Y
For more information, please visit Armed Services YMCA.
Military Life & the YMCA
The Y has so much to offer military families. See how these families have found a community of support and a great place to spend time together through the Y.
Watch more Y stories
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Military Families: We Think about Our Son Every Day.
Deployment can be a difficult time. The Steeles are thankful that Treasure Valley Family YMCA provides free membership for families of deployed soldiers. Watch as this active family explores their Y together and receives a heartfelt homecoming surprise. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.
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Military Families: We Think about Our Son Every Day.
When Rachel and her husband are away on active duty, they feel good knowing that their son Rain and his grandmother turn to the Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms, where they find friendship and support until Rain's parents return home. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story.
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Military Families: It Isn’t Just One Day. It’s an Everyday Thing.
The YMCA is there every day for military members and their families. The memories that Chris Klassen and his daughter have of their father-daughter dance at the Armed Services YMCA Hampton Roads are with them every day. This is his Y. His camera. His story.
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Military Families: Heroes at home and abroad
As a single parent and a soldier, Lt. Brian Martin is thankful for Operation Hero at the Armed Services YMCA of Fort Leonard Wood. The afterschool program Operation Hero focuses on skill-building and character development to help military children navigate the unique challenges they face. Since Andrew’s participation, Lt. Martin and his teachers have seen him open up and grow. This is their Y. Their Camera. Their Story.
Finding Support
The Y's programs and services go beyond military families. Learn how we support people of all ages and walks of life.
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Supporting Young People
At the heart of the Y's mission is a commitment to our young people. We are focused on providing them with leadership opportunities, community connection, educational support and activities that improve well-being and help them grow and thrive.
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Supporting Newcomers and Immigrants
At the heart of the Y's mission is a commitment to our young people. We are focused on providing them with leadership opportunities, community connection, educational support and activities that improve well-being and help them grow and thrive.
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Supporting Communities
Community is the very foundation of the Y. We are committed to making our communities more equitiable, productive and connected for all.